Lawmakers failed during the regular session to approve money for construction at public universities, but some are hoping the special session will provide a second chance at the money. Use this interactive to see what’s at stake.
Ryan Murphy
Ryan Murphy worked at the Tribune from 2010 to 2019. As deputy data visuals editor, he created graphics, interactive stories and data-driven features, wrangled difficult datasets and worked on tools to make development for the team more efficient. He also oversaw the design and maintenance of our large-scale explorers.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: Special Sessions, 1971 to Now
The current special session is the 10th in Gov. Rick Perry’s gubernatorial tenure. Take a look at our visualization to see all the special sessions called since 1971, the subjects lawmakers tackled and how Perry compares to previous governors.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: How Perry Uses His Veto Power
As the longest-serving Texas governor, Rick Perry has vetoed his share of bills — 275 of them since taking office in December 2000. Use our interactive to see the history of Perry’s veto power.
Posted inState Government
Redistricting Special Session: The Districts in Question
Lawmakers are deciding whether to ratify political maps drawn by federal judges for the 2012 elections and to use those maps in 2014. Based on the last two elections, we’ve calculated the political environment in each district.
Posted inPublic Education, State Government
Interactive: 2014-15 School Finance Budget Viewer
The budget that awaits the final approval of the 83rd Legislature — and Gov. Rick Perry — adds about $3.4 billion back to public schools from the $5.4 billion lawmakers cut in 2011. Explore how your school district fares under Senate Bill 1.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: How the Next Budget Continues Growth in State Spending
Texas lawmakers are poised to pass a two-year state budget that is $7 billion higher than the current one. Use this interactive to explore how state spending has grown since 2004.
Posted in
Bidness As Usual
Interactive: Track Public Education Donors
Whether they have a longstanding interest or are branching into new territory, some of the state’s top political donors advocate for education issues. Use our interactive to track contributions to lawmakers who make decisions affecting Texas schools.
Posted in
Bidness As Usual
Interactive: Track Energy and Environment Donors
From protecting endangered lizards to changing industry standards on fracking, energy and environmental groups have many competing interests in Texas. Use this interactive to track campaign contributions by some of the most influential such groups and donors.
Posted in
State Government
House, Senate Clash Over Dutton Bill Resolved
UPDATED: Friday morning’s clash between the House and Senate appears to be water under the bridge. Lawmakers in the upper chamber said it was a tussle over a local Houston matter — but that they’re working to resolve it.
Posted in
Bidness As Usual
Lawmaker Financial Statements Added to Ethics Explorer
State lawmakers’ personal financial statements for the 2012 calendar year were due April 30, but several lawmakers filed for extensions. As for the 115 lawmakers who did file, the Tribune has you covered. Use our Ethics Explorer to see what lawmakers disclosed in their most recent filings.
